First weekend with no rest week, squad depth to be tested, injuries rates on the lower ranked to be keenly felt this weekend.
England vs Ireland first up, both on a win and a loss and both needing this to keep their championship hopes alive! Dublin will be buzzing, with Irish expectations that England are now vulberable, but for anyone who watched Squidge this week: England are far from it!
Then Wales vs Scotland for the Saturday evening match. And the smart money is on Scotland here, but Wales will have watched that Scotland v Italy match and will he targetting this match now. Wales haven't had a 6n win in years now, it has to happen at some stage, and Scotland's record in Cardiff is abysmal. Banana skin for Scotland for sure
Then we have France vs Italy and this should see France rotating and Italy looking to minimise championship points imo. Would be a high scoring affair I suspect, with both teams getting it wide and putting those backs in plenty, but the weather says otherwise! Bucketing it down in Paris, and how did Italy do in similar conditions 2 weeks ago? A close affair here, let's see if Italy can defy the pundits?
As always, pics, reactions, predictions all appreciated. And do your kicktipp!
‘9 - Some sustained pressure results in a Welsh try! Wales have 7 points on the board.
‘13 - Try Scotland. Ball is thrown out to the wide channel and it’s an easy try. 7-5
‘18 - Try Wales! Much more encouraging stuff. Going through the phases and getting over the gain line. Stop the game now. I’m happy. 😆
Wales 14-5 Scotland
Battle of the coaches come half time I suspect now. Wales look set to win the first half at least
Feels like Wales are hanging on by their fingertips at the moment. Massive 2nd half incoming! :)
'53 - Try Scotland after a lot of phases right on Wales's try line. Good determined defence but ball goes out wide and Russell find a gap. 23-12!